SARASOTA (FOX 13) - Police in Sarasota have the option to help spread awareness of breast cancer in a unique way.

For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the department will allow officers to wear a pink badge, pink pin, or pink shroud across their traditional badge.

"Since it is voluntary, officers can purchase them on their own," the department explained.

A press release from SPD went on to explain that the American Cancer Society cites breast cancer as the second leading cause of cancer death in women, exceeded only by lung cancer. Death rates from breast cancer have been declining since about 1989, with larger decreased in women younger than 50.

These decreases are believed to be the result of earlier detection through screening and increased awareness, as well as improved treatment, they added.